Alabama

South Alabama men can still reach their goals in Sun Belt basketball tournament

Press-Register FileRonnie Arrow will lead his team against Florida Atlantic in the first round of today's Sun Belt Conference tournament.HOT SPRINGS, Ark. -- Two of South Alabama's goals this season were to win 20 games for the fourth straight year and reach the NCAA tournament.

Both are still attainable as the Jaguars open play in the Sun Belt Conference tournament today at Summit Arena, but USA (16-14) must win four games in four days to accomplish it, beginning with a 2:15 p.m. game against Florida Atlantic (14-15).

"We just have to put it all on the line for four days," said junior guard Tim Williams, South Alabama's leading scorer. "We've got the talent to win this. This is a new season."

The Jaguars, who reached the tournament finals last year with three straight wins, have been competitive in league play, suffering a handful of losses in the final minutes. However, a comeback from a 22-point deficit to beat Denver in the regular-season finale has raised their confidence.

The eighth-seeded Owls and South Alabama split in the regular season, each team posting road victories (USA 96-93 in overtime, FAU 70-59).

"I think the draw is good for us," Jaguars coach Ronnie Arrow said. "It's not like they beat up on us."

Florida Atlantic is one of the highest-scoring teams in the conference, averaging 74 points with Greg Gantt (15.7), Raymond Taylor (14.2) and Sanchez Hughley (10.1) leading the way.

USA's offense could get a lift with the return of senior guard Bryan Sherrer, who has missed the last three weeks with a MCL tear in his knee. Sherrer (10.2 points) would give the Jaguars another offensive threat along with Williams (16) and Martino Brock (12).

"This is the time of year when players have to step up, give more than they think they can give," said Arrow.

With a win, USA would advance to face top-seeded Troy at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.